As employees return to the office, a majority of workers in India (69%) feel that it will be difficult for them to adapt to this transition, according to a report by staffing firm Genius Consultants and the Press Trust of India.

The research showed that 69% respondents expressed concerns about the potential challenges associated with the transition to returning to the office. However, 25% of employees said they are confident in their ability to navigate and adapt to the return to the office environment.

The report also anticipated a potential rise in attrition (leaving the company) as a consequence of the work-from-office call. Most employees (82%) expressed concerns, citing the increasing availability of work-from-home job opportunities in the market, the report said.

On the flip side, 12% of respondents in the report do not perceive attrition as a major concern, signalling a degree of optimism about the benefits of the in-office experience.

Meanwhile, approximately 67% of respondents believe that work-from-office facilitates the integration of new employees with the larger workforce, serving as a catalyst for instilling organisational values.

This perspective highlights the importance employees place on interpersonal connections and the shared ethos that comes with in-person collaboration, the report noted.

Amid these concerns, most employees stressed the need for flexibility, with 56% believing that employers should provide work-from-anywhere benefits for on-site employees whose home location differs from their office posting.

On the contrary, 33% did not advocate for such flexibility, it added.

"As we navigate the transition from remote work to the traditional office, our recent report reflects a diverse range of sentiments among employees,” Genius Consultants chairman and managing director R P Yadav said.

"While some express concerns about challenges associated with this shift, others showcase resilience and confidence in adapting to the renewed office environment. However, differing opinions exist within the workforce, emphasising the need for flexibility," Yadav said. He also noted that the anticipation of potential attrition underscores the dynamic nature of the job market, prompting organisations to consider and address the evolving needs and preferences